Flying with Babies

Photographer: Matt Flannigan

My toddler has traveled on four continents. He has flown 33 times. Some flights were nightmares; others were almost pleasant. This article is about how to fly well with an infant.

When you book your flight, try to reserve a bassinet. The bigger airplanes offer tray-like cribs that hook into the bulkhead facing the first row of economy. Even if your baby does not actually sleep in the bassinet, it makes a good play area and changing table. Also, this guarantees you the first row of economy, which means there will be no one in front of you to recline a seat.

Request an aisle seat. This gives you extra arm room to feed your baby. It also offers easy access to the aisle. On longer flights in bigger planes, you may be able to take long strolls around the plane with your baby.

Include the following in your carry-on:

• Diapers, each in its own sealed sandwich bag with two individually packed hand wipes;
• Two changes of baby clothes, each in its own plastic bag;
• Easy-to-eat snacks and a bottle of water for yourself;
• Your own privacy blanket if you breastfeed;
• Baby formula if your baby drinks it;
• A pacifier  that clips onto the baby's clothing;
• Diaper rash ointment;
• Infant Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil

Plan well for layovers. Gate-check an umbrella stroller, or carry on a sling or other infant carrier. Just make sure you do not have to carry your baby in your arms as you walk through the terminal.

Breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby during take-off and landing. Air pressure often hurts a baby's ears, but you can minimize its effects by getting the baby to suck and swallow.

Finally, keep your expectations low. The flight will end. Eventually.